Exterminating Mice With Glue Traps

The article and accompanying photo on a mouse infestation on the Palos Verdes Peninsula (South Bay Edition, Sept. 24) was enlightening to those unfamiliar with “glue traps.” Regardless of how we view rodents, it cannot be denied that they are capable of experiencing pain, suffering, hunger and thirst. The use of such devices is a simple, cheap and abusive solution for opportunistic exterminators and individuals unwilling to assume responsibility for the environment. Preventive measures and a quick kill are far more humane than the hideous assault by glue traps.

Equally disturbing was the callous sidebar containing repulsive trivia describing that mice can survive 50-foot falls, are capable of swimming up to a half-mile, and have been known to survive being flushed down toilets. It is unconscionable that these things are done to animals to compile such frivolous data.

The reasons cited for infestation--brush fires, development, available food sources and decrease in natural predators--were all created by humans. As humans, we must choose between takers and caretakers of our environment. We cannot expect to control the prolific reproduction of other creatures until we begin to control our own.

JERYE MOONEY, Coordinator, The Fund for Animals Inc.